For the travel agent, tour operator, or travel information site owner, the key to retaining clientele is constant fresh content. When you have a deal on airfare or hotels available for a limited time, it’s important to get that information out as soon as possible so people can take advantage of sales. In this economy, with people watching every dollar and reconsidering vacations and business travel due to cost, you want to be certain you utilize the social media to convince people who might otherwise stay home that it’s still affordable to travel. Social networks like Twitter, as they increase in readership, are becoming essential tools for online travel marketing.

Who Should Use Twitter to Promote Travel?

The short answer: if you run any business related to travel and tourism, you should have a profile. Every instance of news, every ticket sale or new product available, every question fielded by a prospective visitor should be handled in the open forum of Twitter. The more you have to share, the better the chances of attracting followers searching for relevant information. Don’t be concerned, either, about the 140 character per post limit – simply augment posts with links to your main sites and other points of action like reservation forms and newsletter opt-in pages.

Who should use Twitter in the travel industry? Here’s a short list:

• Convention and Visitors Bureaus: “Tweet” your calendar of local events, announce seasonal deals on travel packages, and engage visitors and locals alike in feedback to improve your town’s tourism.
• Tourist Attractions: Do you operate a museum, park, or landmark? Let people know where you are and what’s happening. Send links to photo galleries and videos to entice visitors to put your attraction on their itineraries.
• Lodging: For owners of hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and campgrounds, Twitter keeps you in touch with travelers looking for last minute lodging.
• Transportation/Tour Operators: Post schedules and event announcements. Answer questions about available tours and network with organizations about group events.

An active account that engages other Twitter users can increase readership, and ultimately traffic, to your destination.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on SEO for travel websites and professional SEO writing services.